Kathmandu, December 8
Sudurpashchim Royals faced their first defeat in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after a stellar start with three consecutive wins. Chitwan Rhinos handed Sudurpashchim a 33-run loss in the second match on Sunday, halting their unbeaten streak.
Chasing a target of 165 set by Chitwan, Sudurpashchim were bowled out for 131 runs in 18.2 overs. This was Sudurpashchim’s first loss in four matches. With this victory, Chitwan also secured 6 points from 4 matches, equaling Sudurpashchim’s tally. Previously, Sudurpashchim had defeated Biratnagar Kings, Kathmandu Gurkhas, and Lumbini Lions. Chitwan, meanwhile, had earlier won against Kathmandu Gurkhas and Pokhara Avengers but lost to Karnali Yaks.
Sudurpashchim’s batting, which had been exceptional in earlier matches, faltered against Chitwan. Opener Saif Zaib was dismissed in the second over, and the team lost wickets at regular intervals. Ishan Pandey, batting at number six, was the top scorer with 35 runs off 28 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six. Other notable contributions came from Saif Zaib (18), Brandon McMullen (13), Dilpreet Bajwa (12), and Binod Bhandari (10). However, key players like captain Dipendra Singh Airee (1) and Arif Sheikh (5) failed to deliver.
Chitwan’s bowlers shone, with captain Kushal Malla leading the attack by taking 2 wickets for 18 runs in 4 overs. Amar Singh Routela, Rijan Dhakal, and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton each grabbed 2 wickets, while Sohail Tanvir and debutant Ranjit Kumar claimed 1 wicket each.
Earlier, Chitwan posted 164 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs, thanks to a half-century by opener Hasan Ishaqil. Hasan scored 65 runs off 52 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes. Ravi Bopara chipped in with a quick 36 off 18 balls, hitting 2 fours and 2 sixes. Other contributions came from Bipin Rawal (17), captain Kushal Malla (13), and Santosh Karki (9). Amar Singh Routela and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton remained unbeaten with 6 and 2 runs, respectively.
Scott Kuggeleijn was the pick of Sudurpashchim’s bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs. Brandon McMullen, captain Dipendra Singh Airee, and Saif Zaib each took 1 wicket. The win propels Chitwan back into contention, making the league race even more exciting.
